DNA lead into indecent assault on Dewsbury train

Police are re-appealing for information after a 17-year-old girl was indecently assaulted on a train from Leeds to Dewsbury.

Published:13:21Thursday 28 August 2014

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Police are re-appealing for the public’s help to identify a man they would like to speak to after a 17-year-old girl was indecently assaulted on a train on June 19.

Officers from British Transport Police previously released a series of CCTV images in July of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident, which occurred on the 5.09pm TransPennine Express Service from Leeds to Liverpool Lime Street.

Now, following a forensic DNA lead, officers are re-releasing the images in the hope that someone will come forward with vital information which will assist this case.

PC Kevin Webster, leading the investigation, said: “Following forensic examination of DNA evidence form the victim’s clothes unfortunately we were unable to obtain enough information to search the national database. However we were able to collect enough DNA that will allow us to confirm the attacker’s identity once a name has been provided, or rule out anyone else put forward.

“I am appealing to anyone who may recognise the man pictured to please get in touch. This is the last line of investigation into the offence so it’s vital that anyone who thinks they may recognise him to contact police. We are now in a position to use the DNA evidence to eliminate anyone out forward if you don’t believe you are 100 per cent sure.”

The victim, a 17-year-old girl from the Huddersfield area, boarded the train at Leeds. The train was extremely busy and the victim was forced to stand up in the crowded vestibule area. A man, who also boarded the service at Leeds, stood close behind her.

A short while into the journey the man moved to the side of the victim then began to inappropriately touch her. The man continued to indecently assault the victim throughout the journey until the train arrived in Dewsbury where he left the service.

PC Webster added, “This was an incredibly frightening experience for the girl, who has been left extremely shocked and distressed.”

“If you recognise this man, or have any other information, please get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B6 of 11/07/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.